LCG GoodStuffNewsletters

This multi-issue internal newsletter, "Good Stuff," from Digital Equipment Corporation (LCG Product Support) serves as a confidential information document rather than official company policy. It covers a wide range of technical tips, bug fixes, procedural guidelines, and administrative announcements relevant to field service engineers for various DEC systems, primarily KL10, TOPS-10, and TOPS-20.

Key themes and topics addressed across the issues include:

I. System Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

• Hardware Issues:

  • Memory & CPU: KL10 microcode loading problems (KLDCP), H744 regulator fixes, extender modules, MA/MB20 controller requirements, clock problems (H770, H7131), M8554 Rev E transceiver concerns, KL10/KS10 backplane tips (scoping, shorts), M8538 Meterboard jumpers, RH20 Massbus Connectors.
  • Disk & Tape Drives: SBUS cable placement, MH10/KL10 DATA WARNING delays, RP04/5/6 diagnostic failures ("OPI'S"), RP06 head alignment for KS systems, TU45 take-up reel/write ring problems, TU72 EVE Drive fan vibration issues, DX10/TX01 SPAR tape ordering, LP07 pivot arm improvements, RP05/RP06 control panel problems, issues with 2020 User Mode Disk Diagnostics.
  • Power & Environment: 845 Power Control ECOs, H744 power supply voltage drift, G8010 (-5.2V) causing circuit breakers to pop, air flow vane switch adjustments, 2050 Overtemp fault isolation.
  • Interleaving: External Memory Interleaving configurations (MA20, MB20) and how they affect system behavior and diagnostics.

• Software & Diagnostics:

  • OS & Monitor: TOPS-20 magtape problems, MCOs for BAC stop codes, SYSERR updates (V7, V12, 6.03 bugs, CRAM LOC, header errors, massbus channel errors), KL Revision 10 module reworks, clearing shadow core, TOPS20 memory configuration (KLI reporting errors), DTE-20 reset procedures, DEC20 front-end troubleshooting (preventing reloads), DFTUE magtape diagnostic fixes (cache inhibit, TM02 errors), DDANA-AN10 diagnostic timing, running DDQCB (page fail trap error), DX10 Microcode versions (V4 vs V14 confusion), Backup & Dumper Error Recovery (SYSERR for write errors), RSX20F stop codes (comprehensive list), RSX20F naming conventions, 7.00 Software Problems (KSW/USW stopcodes, hung devices, disk offline), TOPS10/TOPS20 Release 4 terminal support (LA120, VT100, LA38).
  • Microcode: Identifying different versions of V157 microcode, KL10 microcode halt loop locations, AR and ARX parity error handling.
  • Installation/Configuration: Procedures for "short ships," KLAD pack information (nomenclature, updates, ordering, new directories), DN87S FCO #1 (CTY loss), KLAD10 Rev 12/4 TOPS10 Monitor (Quasar.exe fix), Red Pack Version 404 patches (Syserr summary, UETP), KS10 Red Pack ordering, prerequisite for TOPS-20 V4.0 installation, Cardreader patch procedure for Release 3A 2020.
  • Specific Errors: PITRAP BUGHLTs and AR/ARX parity problems in TOPS-20, I/O Page Fail Errors and COP Stopcodes in 1090 Systems, Data Missed Errors with CR10E, Troubleshooting Massbus Parity Errors, Data Bus Parity Errors, RP02S/RP03S Search Errors, Homeblock Problem (disk structure mounting on 2020), Monitor Crashes Related to TGHA Patch.

II. Resources & Support:

• Documentation: Updates to the KL10 Maintenance Handbook, new Diagnostic Index (DDXXA, DDXXB), improved DECcharts for flow diagramming, hard copy manuals list, Wire Wrap/Backpanel Information and Microfiche usage, new SYSERR manual, KL10/KS10 Maintenance Guides (ordering, updates).
• Support Channels: Diagnostic Hotline, Technical Assistance Centers (Marlboro, Maynard), Software Hotlines, Digital Diagnosis Center (DDC) relocation to Colorado Springs, other support groups.
• Training: Self-paced Audio/Visual courses, LCG training strategy (three-tier approach), feedback on training, career path opportunities.

III. Administrative & General:

• "Good Stuff" Newsletter: Information on distribution list (additions/deletions/changes), how to submit articles (Tech Tips, Field Input), importance of contributions, summary of issues in Speed Bulletins, index system for referencing articles.
• Quality & Metrics: LCG Corporate Field Quality Assurance Group reorganization, FCO Control System (LARS integration), installation and warranty charge policy, "DOA" module tracking, LARS data usage for product maintainability, KL/KS feedback forms.
• Procedures: Guidelines for "Field Service Stop" on DECsystem-1090's, "Good Stuff" distribution, "Good Stuff" indexing system.
• Troubleshooting Philosophy: A multi-part article outlining a structured approach to troubleshooting: "Expand Your Horizons," "Attack with Confidence," "Confirm Your Fix," "Don't Chalk It Up To A Full Moon," and "Document Your Actions."
• Disclaimers: Repeated emphasis on the document being "COMPANY CONFIDENTIAL" and "not necessarily Company Policy," with instructions on how to handle sensitive information and the explicit warning against disclosure outside Digital Equipment Corporation.